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20 Questions: Book Tag

Considering the last thing I posted was so heavy, I decided to do something light and fun this time. I love books and I thought participating in this book tag might be a good idea. I’d like to thank A Dreamer’s Library for leaving the tag open instead of naming individuals!

Now, on with the show!

1. How Many Books Is Too Many for a Series:

Ideally, I’d prefer to read a series that spans three or four books in total. I find it easier to collect and read a smaller series than an expansive one. The idea of collecting and reading the entire Game of Thrones series or The Dark Tower series is rather daunting. I imagine there are even series that are longer than those!

However, some series are so good that I’m willing to make an exception. (I’m looking at Throne of Glass and PJO right now. Damn those awesome authors for making such a long series so tempting and engaging!)

2. How Do You Feel About Cliff-hangers:

I have a love/hate relationship with them. I imagine most people do! A cliff-hanger delivered with perfect execution can have me salivating at the thought of reading the next instalment. But it could also piss me off enough that I throw the book across the room. (Needless to say, apologies are often offered to the books containing that particular kind of cliff-hanger.)

3. Hardback or Paperback:

I like hardbacks and holding one makes me feel fancy, but lugging them around takes far too much effort. Hardbacks are more expensive too. Financially, and physically, reading a paperback is more viable in the long run.

4. Favourite Book:

Honestly, this is such a hard question to answer. I’ve read and loved so many, I’m not sure I could narrow it down to one favourite book. I might point out two or three that I’ve loved more than others.

Image Source: Book Depository

The Cuckoo’s Calling was a great book. You can see how Galbraith/Rowling’s skills developed between the HP series and the Cormoran Strike novels. The Cormoran Strike books are gritty, engaging, and full of intrigue. Strike is a great main character. I love him.

Image Source: Amazon

The Chamber of Secrets was a joy, and the main reason is Professor Lockhart. He was so quotable and ridiculous, so annoying, so insidious. He was so devious and opportunistic that he made a great hor d’oeuvre before the main course!

5. Least Favourite Book:

The short answer: Dark Lover by JR Ward.

Image Source: Ebay

The long answer: A sibling I live with loved the book. She loved the whole series. She couldn’t stop singing its praises — nor stop singing praise for the author in general. I decided to give the book a chance when I saw it on sale in the city; the few euros it cost was going to a good cause.

Ultimately, the book was a massive disappointment. Though I don’t regret that the few euros I spent went to charity, I do regret reading the book — the hours I spent reading it are hours I can never get back. It was the McDonalds of books — cheap and easy, but didn’t hold enough substance to fill a ravenous reader.

It’d do in a pinch.

Unfortunately, you’d be craving something more substantial not long after finishing it. 

6. Love Triangles, Yes or No:

I’ve grown to hate love triangles. I’ve moved past being tired of them and just wish I could launch them into the sun.  I find that love triangles are a waste of time and ink (and screen time) most of the time. I believe that more effort should be put into depicting an ethical non-monogamous relationship where the central figure could love and date both love interests without being exposed to needless drama and vitriol. I’d like to see novels focus on bringing the trio into balance.

7. The Most Recent Book You Just Couldn’t Finish:

Unfortunately, it was Eoin Macken’s Hunter and The Grape. I was hoping to like the novel because I’d liked his previous publication: Kingdom of Scars. However, I found it almost impossible to find something that I liked about Hunter and the Grape. Honestly, the characters weren’t that likable or relatable. The plot itself was asinine. I stopped reading before I reached the middle of the book.

I didn’t have the heart to write a negative review for the blog.

Image Source: Goodreads

8. What Book Are You Currently Reading:

Currently, I’m reading Nicholas Kinsley’s Driven. It’s a paranormal romance between a graphic designer and a mechanic with ferrokinesis.  I reviewed one of his other novels in the past and I look forward to reviewing this one as well!  

Image Source: Goodreads

9. Last Book You Recommended to Someone:

Most recently, I recommended I Am Malala. It was engaging and thought-provoking. I loved having a chance to learn about her culture. But reading about her experiences also broke my heart. Girls shouldn’t have to be in a position where fighting for an education is necessary; no child should have to face a gunman for going to school.

10. Oldest Book You’ve Read:

The oldest book I’ve read is Austen’s Sense and Sensibility, which was published in 1811. Pride and Prejudice — published in 1813 — is a close second.

Image Source: Amazon

11. Newest Book You’ve Read:

The newest book I’ve read (in part) was Macken’s Hunter and the Grape. It was published in 2017.

12. Favourite Author:

This is another difficult question!

The answer used to be an immediate: Anne Rice or JK Rowling. Both of those still hold a place because their books meant so much to me when I was growing up…but I’ve read so much more since then. I’ve discovered the pleasure of reading Rick Riordan and Sarah J Maas. I’ve discovered Harper Lee.

I no longer think its possible to pick one favourite author.

13. Buying Books or Borrowing:

I prefer owning books. I like knowing that I don’t have to give them back. I like seeing the collection I have growing, spreading across the shelves and down onto the desk. But I’m not against borrowing books from time to time. Though I don’t borrow from a library, I do borrow books from a close friend now and then. 

14. A Book You Dislike That Everyone Else Seems to Love:

I don’t think I’ve come across one. Not yet at least.

15. Bookmarks or Dog-ears:

Bookmarks!

I can’t bear to see the pages bent out of shape.

16. A Book You’ll Always Reread:

The Harry Potter series. I think I’ve reread them four times at this point. There are things about the series that frustrate me constantly, but that can be said of all the books out there. Mostly, the series is wonderful. Even if there are flaws in the world-building, and the writing, Rowling had a good adventure going.

17. Can You Read Whilst Listening to Music:

It depends on what I’m reading: a novel or a fanfiction. I prefer silence or minimal background noise when reading a novel. I can read a fanfiction while listening to music.

18. One POV or Multiple POVs:

Generally, I prefer a novel with one POV. However, I will make exceptions when POV changes are marked clearly; ideally, separated into chapters.

I can’t stand people who jump from POV to POV between one paragraph and the next. It gives me a headache!

19. Do You Read a Book in One Sitting or Over Multiple Days:

It depends on the size of the book and the writing. I’d be able to read some books within one day, but others could take me weeks to finish. For example: The Fellowship of the Ring took me more than twelve months to read.

20. A Book You Read Because Of The Cover:

I’ve never read a book because of its cover. However, I have added books to my to-read list on Goodreads because of their cover. This is one of them:

Image Source: Goodreads

Like A Dreamer’s Library, I’m going to leave the tag open. Participate if you like and feel free to chat in the comments!

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